Canadian ensemble BadBadNotGood made a name for themselves by crossing genres. This seamless movement between styles hit home when they transitioned hip-hop into jazz and vice versa. Their latest album - and first on XL Recordings - shows them returning to their instrumental beginnings. Instead of looking to the now, they reflect on the history and innovation of those who influenced them. In the words of Lamont Dozier, this is an album about returning to their roots. BadBadNotGood formed in 2010 and rotated between three and four members before establishing their current lineup in 2015. The band, consisting of Alexander Sowinski (drums), Chester Hansen (bass) and Leland Whitty (guitar and woodwinds), met in the jazz program at Humber College in Toronto. At the time, the group did not work with traditional jazz standards, but sidestepped and drew from hip-hop and other contemporary genres to create a unique sound rooted in black American music. 2021's Talk Memory, however, is a tribute to the musicians, composers and influences that first influenced their work. BadBadNotGood's latest album underscores that music as conversation is inherently about collaboration and improvisation. In some ways, their album is a giant take on a classic moment from live jazz or soul, where the "leader" of a band introduces each member of an ensemble and asks for applause. In turn, BBNG have created an album that is a heartfelt expression of the joy of music and the community in which they are fortunate to live.
